Are We Human? Interview with Mark Wigley

Summary

In this thought-provoking conversation, Marika Trotter and Mark Wiggly discuss the role of design in shaping humanity and the world. They explore the idea that design is central to the human experience, constantly evolving and reflecting the complexities of society. Wiggly critiques the notion that small design changes can improve society, emphasizing that good design confronts the chaos of life. The discussion also touches on the ethical implications of design, particularly in the context of architecture and technology, urging designers to consider their responsibility in shaping the future of humanity and the environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Design is not just about creating objects or spaces, but about continually re-shaping humanity and the world. The act of designing redefines what it means to be human.
• 😀 Human beings are distinct from other species because of their ability to re-imagine and alter their environment, shaping their identity through design.
• 😀 The history of humanity is a history of redesigning ourselves in every possible way, with design being the central force in this process.
• 😀 Disasters and crises are not random accidents; they are products of human design, stemming from decisions that shape our environment.
• 😀 The world, including the sky, water, plants, and animals, has been transformed into a human artifact, indicating humanity's overwhelming impact on the planet.
• 😀 Design is a feedback loop where humanity shapes the world, and in turn, the world shapes humanity. This dynamic process continually transforms both the environment and the human species.
• 😀 Architecture and design can provide a form of 'anesthesia,' offering comfort and stability in the face of an increasingly complex and chaotic world, but this may also be seen as avoiding deeper issues.
• 😀 The ethical responsibility of designers is immense, as their decisions have the potential to reshape humanity and society, much like genetic engineering does.
• 😀 The role of architects and designers is evolving in the digital age. Social media and digital technologies have transformed collective consciousness and urban environments, yet architects are slow to adapt.
• 😀 There is no finality in design; it is a continual process of experimentation and discovery. Designers do not always know what they are doing, but the process of creating shapes both the object and the creator.
• 😀 The notion of 'good design' may be rooted in the desire to isolate society from the 'weirdness' and discomfort of life, but true design involves confronting and revealing this complexity.

Q & A

What is the main theme explored in the 'Little Yellow Book'?

The main theme of the 'Little Yellow Book' is the relationship between humans and design, suggesting that humanity's self-definition is continually shaped through the process of designing both objects and our own existence. It emphasizes that design is not just a tool, but a transformative force that defines who we are.

How does the 'Little Yellow Book' redefine the role of designers?

The book argues that designers are not merely creators of external objects, but agents involved in a continual process of self-redesign. Their work shapes both the world around them and their own identities. The process of design is portrayed as a feedback loop where what we create also creates us.

What is the ethical responsibility of designers, according to the conversation?

Designers bear significant ethical responsibility because their decisions have a profound impact on society and the environment. The conversation frames design as an ethical practice, suggesting that design choices, whether in architecture or other fields, determine the kind of world and society we will create, and even the future of humanity itself.

What does Wiggly mean by disasters being 'products of calculation'?

Wiggly argues that disasters are not mere accidents but the result of intentional design decisions. These disasters are often the consequence of systemic choices, suggesting that human negligence or ill-considered design plays a central role in the crises we face.

How does Wiggly view the relationship between design and human evolution?

Wiggly views design as integral to human evolution, with the act of designing being a defining feature of humanity. Humans do not simply create designs; they continually redesign themselves and their environment, reshaping their existence in the process.

What is the significance of the comparison between architects and genetic engineers?

The comparison highlights the ethical weight of design decisions. Just as genetic engineers make choices that shape the future of human genetics, architects and designers are making choices that shape societies, cultures, and the human experience. Both professions hold power over the future of the species.

What does the term 'anesthetic' mean in the context of this discussion on design?

In this context, 'anesthetic' refers to design solutions that provide comforting illusions of stability, often masking the complexities and challenges of reality. Wiggly critiques this approach, questioning whether architects should continue to offer these 'placebo' solutions or engage with the uncomfortable truths of the world.

How does the discussion connect the concept of crowdsourcing with the evolution of cities?

The conversation connects crowdsourcing with the early formation of cities, arguing that the exchange of ideas in the earliest human societies functioned similarly to modern crowdsourcing mechanisms. This highlights how cities and social structures have always been collective endeavors, influenced by the contributions of many individuals, much like how social media operates today.

What is the role of architecture in the age of social media, according to Wiggly?

Wiggly suggests that architecture must adapt to the new realities created by social media. He sees the digital world as a new form of architecture, and argues that traditional architectural practices have not fully engaged with these changes. The challenge is for architects to respond to these transformations and reconsider how physical space interacts with digital space.

Why does Wiggly refer to design as 'hardcore' in the conversation?

Wiggly refers to design as 'hardcore' because it is a discipline that demands precise and thoughtful decisions, especially when dealing with complex societal and environmental challenges. Despite being traditionally defensive and rigid, design has the potential to engage deeply with the uncertainties and realities of the world.